After raising a group of volunteers in Lawrence County, Alabama, Dr. Shackelford had gone to assist Texas in its fight for independence. In the letter to Maria, he describes the fighting and the need for more volunteers; he also remarks on the...
Upon Blackshear's death, his son will receive a slave named Dennis, who is currently about twenty-four years old. The document is witnessed by John Murphy and Joseph Albritton.
The gift is conditional, however: "That if myself or Edwards [sic] mother my wife should in the events of life consider that either of us should stand in need of said negroes--then either of our own judgements [sic] shall rule and take the said...
In the letters, Hall's son and wife discuss family illness, weather, crops, livestock, and slaves on their plantation. Mary also mentions her husband's possible attendance at the convention of delegates from proslavery states in Nashville,...
In the letter Mary Ann offers her son advice on corresponding with young ladies: "I hope you will never ask a lady (unless a relative) for her narrative untill [sic] you are engaged...young people oftentimes become interested and then attached...
In the letter she discusses money that has been sent to Edward to buy clothes; unreliable mail delivery; the difficulty of traveling between the North and South; and her husband's new retail firm. She makes predictions about the outcome of the...
In the letter Helen discusses Willie's education (and advises him to use a dictionary); the possibility of visiting her son at school; crops and weather in the area; social events; and upcoming weddings. A transcript is included.
In the letter Curry discusses possible military movements and the progress of the war: "I do long for peace again, but never wish to see it untill we have secured our rights and independence." He urges his son to stand for election as captain and...
In the letter Curry discusses a recent drought and the effects it will have on the Confederate cause: "If the drouth continues, and I fear it will, it will be the greatest of calamities to the Confederacy--with good seasons provisions would be made...